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Washington D.C. --August 8-12, 2001

(145th CAB)

The 145th CAB had its bi-annual reunion in Washington D.C. recently. A great line-up of activities was planned and provided by MG Carl McNair, USA (Ret.) and the committee of local area folks. About 100 people attended making the gathering small enough to see and talk with just about everyone. Trips to Mt. Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, FBI and The Vietnam Memorial(The Wall) kept everyone busy during the days while a great hospitality room, and mini-reunion room provided plenty of fellowship, refreshments and cheer in the evenings. A closing Banquet was very well done and the closing Memorial service on Sunday capped off the reunion, making it very worthwhile.

There were about 26 former Thunderbirds in attendance which made them the largest unit represented. Three former 118th Commanders were present with Vincent McNeese, George Owens and Joe Boggs. And, Tillman Davis, a former 1SGT of the 573rd Trans. Det., 68th AHC and 118th AHC kept everyone in line. Every attempt was made to get a photo of every former Thunderbird, however some left early or seemed to avoid the camera. It was a very good reunion.

The 145th CAB reunions are held every two years with every other reunion(every 4 years)being held at Ft. Rucker, AL. In 2003 it will be at Ft. Rucker and tentatively for 2005 it will be in Kansas City. Make plans now to attend as often as you can.

Below are a number of great photos taken and provided by former Thunderbird, Frank Zipperer. Frank is a professional photographer in Washington, D.C. and we want to give a special thanks to him for taking the photos and providing them for the web site. Frank was in the 118th in the 1964-65 time period. You should take the time to link to his professional web site at: http://www.fzippererphoto.homestead.com/index.html

While most of the former Thunderbirds are seen in the photos, some just didn't make it in any of the photos. They are: Myron Weaver and Bob Kelley.

Thunderbirds at Washington D.C.

Back Row L to R: Chuck Haney, Joe Boggs, Jim Thorne, Jack Grasmeder, Vincent McNeese, Ted Jambon, Tommy Thornton, Dennis Surop and Frank Zipperer.
Front L to R: Tom Payne, Warren George, Harold "Red" Sparling, Jim Olafson, George Owens, Gil Ferrey and Al Laya.
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)
 

Reunion Snap Shots

 

Mini-reunion room with displays. On right
is Jack Grasmeder and Ted Jambon
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)

 

Looking for lost buddies....L to R: "Red"
Sparling; Ed Bowers in his Black leather vest.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)

 

L to R: Reunion Chairman Carl McNair, Herman Hummert, James McGeehan, Jim Olafson.
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)

 

Ed Bowers, Bandit Crewmember, 68-70,
from Morgan Hill, CA.
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)

 

Arriving at the FBI for tour. L to R: Jack Grasmeder, Gil Ferrey, Tommy Thorton(behind his wife Dixie in red) and 118th 1SGT Tillman Davis.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)

 

Frank Thompson, representing the 145th CAB, presents our wreath to guards for laying at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)

 

Harold "Red" Sparling, former 118th Crew Chief, preparing a rubbing of buddy's name at The Wall.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)

 

Looking for names on The Wall are L to R: Jim Thorne and Jim Olafson.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)

 

Listening to the tour guide at the Congressional Medal of Honor display "Hall of Heros" in the Pentagon.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)

 

Bob Kennedy, former Gunner with 118th
who dropped in from Ohio.
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)

John Rollins former Thunderbird crewmember and wife at banquet.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)

 

MG Carl McNair, USA (Ret.), former CO of 145th CAB in 1969, holds original 145th unit flag(62-69) which was replaced during his tour. A former trooper of the BN had given it to him recently. He presented it to the 145th CAB Association, as long as it exists. Ultimately, it will be given to the Ft. Rucker Museum.
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)
 
 
15 former members of the 118th on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Front L to R: "Red" Sparling, Jim Olafson, Al Laya, Tom Payne, Mrs. McNeese, Vincent McNeese.
Middle row: John Rollins, 1SGT Tillman Davis, George Owens, Ted Jambon, Joe Boggs, Tommy Thornton.
Back row: Bob Kennedy, Ed Bowers , Jack Grasmeder, Jim McGeehan.
(Photo courtesy Kent Hufford)
 
Three 118th Commanders who attended the 145th CAB reunion.
L to R: Vincent McNeese(64), George Owens(66-67) and Joe Boggs(67).
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)

Memorial Service, Sunday morning Aug 12. 2001. Missing Man boots, helmet and gloves
were original gear worn by MG Carl McNair USA (Ret.) when he was Commander of
145th CAB in 1969.
(Photo courtesy Frank Zipperer)
 
 

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